Reviewed and Recommended: Reviva Makeup Primer

Wearing a primer can make me feel like I'm wearing a mask. Yes, my skin looks as close to 'flawless' as it gets, but applying any layers in addition to foundation and concealer can start to feel suspiciously like spackle. Primers also often draw moisture from my skin, leaving it dry and flaky.

Enter the Reviva Makeup Primer, an extremely effective product that managed to make my skin look younger and feel softer while being both lightweight and emollient. It contains squalane a fast-absorbing, non-irritating moisturizer that has skin-damage-preventing properties. Also c, an antioxident proven to produce long-term benefits in the texture and appearance of skin. The other ingredients are olive oil, vitamins A and D, and two silicones, all of which left my skin silky, but not at all greasy.

My skin felt good, and it looked good, too: My pores were significantly smaller, and lines and wrinkles much less noticeable - like taking a picture just slightly out of focus. It created a smooth surface that helped foundation go on more evenly.

Wearing this primer also made my makeup last longer than usual. After 10+ hours of work, commuting, and errand running, everything remained pretty firmly in place. On a evening when I had dinner plans, I only had to de-mascara-smudge my eyes and vamp up my lipstick to be restaurant-ready - a one-minute job, versus putting on a whole new face.

The Reviva Makeup Primer is appropriate for all skin types, though people with oily skin may not need to apply moisturizer underneath. It really does a good job of providing a baseline amount on its own. It contains no fragrances and is non-comedogenic.

I have been using it daily and will report back in a few weeks on the long-term effect the Squalane and CoQ10 have on my skin. I hope my results mimic those of a 1999 study that reported that long-term use of CoQ10 resulted in a reduction of crows feet. Fingers crossed!

I discovered this fabulous find while shopping at a natural foods store. I really don't even have to wear foundation anymore since pores are minimized and fine lines are decreased. It delivers an overall smooth, clean appearance. I just dabble on blush, mascara and a lip gloss then I'm on my merry way.

July 17, 2009

by Stephanie

Emily, are you still using it? When do yo put on your sunscreen when using a primer?

Thanks,
Stephanie

March 27, 2009

by Emily

Hi Michelle. I tried it under mineral makeup and it worked just fine. The biggest problem I have with mineral makeup is that it can dry out my skin, and I felt like this product added another layer of protective moisture--which seemed to make the mineral makeup work better overall.

March 26, 2009

by Michelle

Do you know if this product will work well with Mineral make up as well?